22nd in a series “Everything is what it is, and not another thing,” or, to put it briefly, “a thing is itself and not another.” This is a statement attributed to the British philosopher Joseph Butler (1692–1752), who was also an Anglican bishop. But it is uncertain when he said it and in what connection. About its truthfulness, however, there seems little doubt; it is common sense, although there are reasons arising from contemporary physical theory that may give cause to doubt it, but they are beyond my co … (read more)
